“It’s something I never really imagined,” Michler told St. George News. “No one in my family has ever done this, so I’m thrilled. It should be fun.”
Michler joined the Hurricane Tigers as a defender during his sophomore year. He held this position through his sophomore season and the majority of his junior year.
During these years, he carried a long pole until he took an offensive position his senior year and finished with a short stick. He became the team’s scoring leader, assist leader and points leader.
According to MaxPreps, Michler finished this past season with 46 goals and 14 assists, for a total of 60 points.
Michler explained that learning the basics of defense helped him know what to do when he switched to the offensive position.
“When I started playing defense, I learned what they look for,” he said. “That helped me figure out how to stay away from a defender and how to break down a defense.”
The Tigers finished last season with an overall record of 7 wins and 13 losses, but posted a 4-3 record in Region 9 games. On May 12, they won their first-ever 4A state playoff game in club history, defeating Cedar 12–8. Michler was a driving force in that victory, contributing with five goals and an assist.
The Hurricanes’ season ended on May 15 with a 17–2 loss to Waterford, a private school in Sandy, Utah. Waterford went on to win the 4A state championship.
Despite the defeat, head coach Brad Hall pointed to the program’s steady growth. He noted that the team advanced from zero wins in its first year to five, and then to seven, over its first three seasons.
Hall attributed much of that success to Michler’s work ethic, who served as team captain for three consecutive years.
“A three-year captain, extremely dedicated,” Hall said. “A good playmaker and more than that, just such a great team motivator. Guys followed his lead, and he led our offense.”
SUU lacrosse is eager to welcome Michler’s talent and leadership to its roster next fall.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Payson Davis
Photos courtesy of St.George News
sports@suunews.net
